The charity Carers in Bedfordshire have set up a new award scheme for unpaid family carers to say thank you to a special someone who has made a difference to them.
Cause for Applause celebrates the people that go the extra mile to make carers’ lives a little bit easier, from helpful shop workers and patient receptionists to health or social care professionals and family members who help out at the drop of a hat or lend an ear.
Sarah lives in Bedford with her 9-year-old son. He is diagnosed with ADHD and displays challenging and sometimes violent behaviour. She nominated her friend, Jo.
“She is the only person who accepts my boy for himself. She listens to all the heartache I go through and never judges; she has stuck unlike many others and even when I was riddled with anxiety, she persevered with me – she gets it even though she doesn’t live with it.”
Another carer describes how her neighbour sharing photos of her family on WhatsApp makes her feel as though “the fence has been taken down”.
Mercy Canning, is operations director at A Class Care, sponsors of the awards. She said, “We are delighted to be sponsoring such a noble cause and honouring the kindness of others.
“Recognising the unsung heroes in our community can go a long way and will help to continually spread generosity, care and benevolence which will help make our community a better place.
“I am thrilled to be working with a charity that will go above and beyond to applaud our community’s kindness and also continually support our informal carers.”
If you are an unpaid family or friend carer and would like to give someone a public pat on the back, you have until 31 August to nominate them for a Cause for Applause award
To nominate, visit www.carersinbeds.org.uk or write to Carers in Bedfordshire, Sandland Court, Pilgrim Centre, Brickhill Drive, Bedford MK41 7PZ.
Closing date 31 August. Terms and conditions apply. See website.
If you look after a family member or friend who has a disability or long term condition, why not give us a ring on tel 0300 111 1919 to see if any of our services could help you? You can email contact@carersinbeds.org.uk or visit our website www.carersinbeds.org.uk
